Poncho / Bug Bivy

Sounds like a good idea, but i don't have any critical feedback except that i think that some people bring bivies with poncho tarps because the poncho tarps tend to be on the small side and during a heavier, windy rain it's likely to get your bag pretty wet at certain areas. The bivy provides extra rain protection in those cases, putting the two together would take away from that.

I use a full size tarp and bug bivy in the summer as do many others.

I was thinking this would nix the additional rain gear.

I have the scrap cuban and bug net to make one and was interested in other thoughts.

Surprized by the lack of interest.

Perhaps this forum has become "BACKPACKINGNOTTOOLIGHT" : )

thought about it, but have too many projects going. So just make one. :)

Craig, my concern would be about tearing the light mesh while wearing it as a poncho. There may be some creative way to have the mesh fold under the poncho so it is not on the outside. Maybe if the mesh was removable while in poncho mode and velcros in place for bivy mode. Just my thoughts.

Ah … this is why I love throwing ideas out there.

I had not thought about the possible snags that would result from wearing it while hiking.

Might be just good for shorter trips when rain is not expected.

I wonder though about the use of bug pants and shirts, as they face the same issues and are able to hold up at least under normal trail conditions – not bushwhacking.

A heavier netting would be much less weight than going with a perimeter of Velcro and still a weight savings over bringing rain gear.

Edit for light bulb going off:

Ben – you inspired a great idea : )

I hope it works out, Craig. My only fee for the inspiration is that I get to see what you make. I'm not sure what its going to be, but you have me curious now.

Derr, sorry Craig, i missed that you said you would bring a separate tarp. Makes a lot more sense now.

wouldn't the netting be on the inside of the poncho, thus eliminating most of the snag potential?

Here is my basic idea –

I think a full bug net would be relatively snag free but here is a combo design I am going for that gives it protection.

The material is all cuben with the bug screen zipping open with a half moon shape.

Once open it can slip into the lower half of the bivy and be protected.

The hood uses MLD style that rolls up flat and makes a water proof seal.

Since the bivy edges are tape bonded it is water proof and as there is no stress on those areas it will be more than strong enough.

Only sewing is on the zipper

What do you think?

Is the netting against your face?

If so, can bugs bite through it?

To me that isn't an issue, because I don't do really buggy places, but in that case, just take a 4 foot diameter circle of netting and lay it over you. Then you could also use that walking around, over a hat and tucked into shirt.

I like this idea here as a starting point for a multi use item:

http://www.williswall.com/willis-wall-blog/2011/7/3/the-b4-ultralight-upright-and-prone-bug-protection.html

Seems to me that a pullover jacket could be made with a no see um liner. When you just want the bug protection, then just flip the cuban front over to the back keeping the mesh protection. When you are ready for bivy mode, then roll/velcro the sleeves and hood for bug protection.

Apparently he uses a short bivy to cover his legs.

My graphic skills are limited but like most bivy's it will have a tie out to lift it up off your face.

All the scanarios I tried using a bug screen incorpotated with a ponch would be as heavy as just using a light bivy with a poncho. The bivy/poncho combo is less clumsy and more versatile I think. On fair nights, the bivy could be used alone, making for a quick and easy setup.

I've run through a bunch of scenarios using the Gatewood Cape and various insect netting schemes. The lightest is a head net and progressing to partial nets on up to the Serenity insert, which gives some ground protection in the bargain and 8oz weight.

Borrowing from the hammock world, Papa Smurf turns out a sock style mosquito net using tulle netting that are 3-4 ounces. Tulle will stop mosquitos, but not noseeums. It is generally a big tube with a drawstring at one end.

This is my current set up.

My MYOG Tarp

My MYOG Cuben top Bivy (Shoulder Season)

A Borah Bug Bivy w,right side zip (Summer)

What I would like to do is eliminate my need for bringing my rain gear.